Apparatus and method for delivering a neurostimulator into the pterygopalatine fossa

ABSTRACT

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a neurostimulator delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending from the handle portion, and a distal deployment portion. The distal deployment portion is configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a craniofacial region of a subject.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/470,480, filed May 14, 2012, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/688,300, filed Jan. 15, 2010,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/145,122, filed Jan. 16, 2009 (Now Expired). This applicationincorporates the above-identified applications herein by reference intheir entirety, and claims priority to all aforementioned applicationsfor all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to surgical tools configured todeliver medical devices to a craniofacial region of a subject, and moreparticularly to surgical tools configured to deliver an implantableneurostimulator to a pterygopalatine fossa of a subject.

BACKGROUND

Electrical stimulation of peripheral and central neural structures hasshown increased interest due to the potential benefits it may provide toindividuals suffering from many neurological and behavioral diseases.Many of these therapies today are not well accepted due to the invasivenature of the therapy, even though the efficacy is quite good. This hascreated a need for less invasive therapies that are directed towardpatient and physician clinical needs.

Headaches are one of the most debilitating ailments that afflictmillions of individuals worldwide. The specific pathophysiology ofheadaches is unknown. Known sources of headache pain consist of trauma,vascular, autoimmune, degenerative, infectious, drug andmedication-induced, inflammatory, neoplastic, metabolic-endocrine,iatrogenic, musculoskeletal and myofacial causes. Also, even though thepossible underlying cause of the headache pain is identified andtreated, the headache pain may persist.

Currently, the sphenopalatine (pterygopalatine) ganglion (SPG) is atarget of manipulation in clinical medicine to treat headaches. The SPGis an extracranial neuronal center located behind the nose. It consistsof parasympathetic neurons that innervate (in part) the middle cerebraland anterior cerebral blood vessels, the facial blood vessels, and thelacrimal glands. The SPG also consists of sympathetic and sensory nervefibers that pass through the SPG in route to their end organs.Manipulation of the SPG is mostly performed in attempted treatments ofsevere headaches, such as cluster headaches or migraines.

Various clinical approaches have been used for over 100 years tomodulate the function of the SPG to treat headaches. These proceduresvary from least invasive (e.g., transnasal anesthetic blocks) to muchmore invasive (e.g., surgical ganglionectomy), as well as procedures,such as surgical anesthetic injections, ablations, gamma knife andcryogenic surgery. These later procedures are very invasive, and mostare non-reversible. In both cases, the surgical approach is typicallythrough the nostrils or using a trans-coronoid notch approach.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a neurostimulator deliveryapparatus. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongate shaftextending from the handle portion, and a distal deployment portion. Thedistal deployment portion is configured to releasably mate with aneurostimulator. The neurostimulator is sized and configured forimplantation into a craniofacial region of a subject.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatusconfigured to deliver a neurostimulator into a pterygopalatine fossa(PPF) of a subject. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongateshaft extending from the handle portion, an arcuate distal deploymentmember, and a central hub portion formed between the elongate shaft andthe distal deployment member. The central hub portion is sized andconfigured to releasably mate with the neurostimulator (e.g., theneurostimulator body).

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for deployinga neurostimulator in close proximity to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG)of a subject. One step of the method includes providing aneurostimulator delivery apparatus and a neurostimulator releasablycoupled to the neurostimulator delivery apparatus. The neurostimulatordelivery apparatus comprises a handle portion, an elongate shaftextending from the handle portion, and an arcuate distal deploymentportion. The distal deployment portion is mated with a distal portion ofa surgical tool already positioned in or about a craniofacial region.The neurostimulator is then manipulated so that an integral stimulationlead thereof progressively emerges from the distal deployment portioninto close proximity with the SPG. Simultaneously, the neurostimulatordelivery apparatus is withdrawn from the subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosurerelates upon reading the following description with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an apparatus configured to deliveran implantable neurostimulator to a pterygopalatine fossa of a subjectconstructed in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing part of the nervous innervations ofthe anterior craniofacial skeleton;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an implantable neurostimulator;

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration showing a distal end portion of theapparatus in FIGS. 1A-B;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the distal end portion shownin FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along Line 4C-4C in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 4D is a magnified top view of the distal end portion shown in FIG.4A;

FIG. 4E is a bottom view of the distal end portion shown in FIG. 4D;

FIG. 5A is a magnified perspective view showing a spine member and acentral hub portion of the distal end portion in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4B is a magnified perspective view showing one configuration of asplittable sheath securely disposed about a portion of the spine memberin FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a magnified perspective view showing an alternativeconfiguration of the splittable sheath in FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5D is a magnified perspective view showing another alternativeconfiguration of the splittable sheath in FIG. 5C;

FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for deploying aneurostimulator in close proximity to a sphenopalatine ganglionaccording to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is schematic illustrating showing the distal end portion of theapparatus in FIGS. 1A-B and the neurostimulator in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7B is a schematic illustration showing an integral stimulation leadof the neurostimulator in FIG. 7A being loaded into a splittable sheathof the apparatus in FIGS. 1A-B;

FIG. 7C is a schematic illustration showing the neurostimulator in FIG.7B being seated within a central hub portion of the apparatus in FIGS.1A-B;

FIG. 7D is a schematic illustration showing the neurostimulator in FIG.7B securely seated within the central hub portion; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration showing the apparatus andneurostimulator in FIG. 7D being advanced along an insertion groove of asurgical tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to surgical tools configured todeliver medical devices to a craniofacial region of a subject, and moreparticularly to surgical tools configured to deliver an implantableneurostimulator to a pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) of a subject. Asrepresentative of one aspect of the present disclosure, FIGS. 1A-Billustrate an apparatus 10 configured to deliver a neurostimulator intoa craniofacial region, such as the PPF 12 (FIG. 2). The presentdisclosure may be employed to assist in treating a variety of chronic oracute medical conditions. Examples of such medical conditions caninclude, but are not limited to, pain (e.g., headache, facial pain,trigeminal neuralgias, sphenopalatine neuralgias and/or atypical facepain), movement disorders, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases,autoimmune diseases, sleep disorders, autonomic disorders, neurologicaldisorders, urinary bladder disorders, abnormal metabolic states,disorders of the muscular system, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich the present invention pertains.

In the context of the present disclosure, the singular forms “a,” “an”and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood thatthe terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, specify thepresence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinationsof one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about Xand Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y.

As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” can mean“between about X and about Y.”

As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” can mean “from aboutX to about Y.”

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,”“attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting,” etc.,another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to,coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements mayalso be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being,for example, “directly on,” “directly attached” to, “directly connected”to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element,there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciatedby those of skill in the art that references to a structure or featurethat is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions thatoverlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,”“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms can encompass different orientations of theapparatus in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. For example, if the apparatus in the figures is inverted,elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or featureswould then be oriented “over” the other elements or features.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. Thus, a “first” element discussed below couldalso be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachingsof the present disclosure. The sequence of operations (or steps) is notlimited to the order presented in the claims or figures unlessspecifically indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the term “headache” can refer to migraines, tensionheadaches, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, sphenopalatineneuralgia, secondary headaches, tension-type headaches, chronic andepisodic headaches, medication overuse/rebound headaches, chronicparoxysmal hemicrinia headaches, hemicranias continua headaches,post-traumatic headaches, post-herpetic headaches, vascular headaches,reflex sympathetic dystrophy-related headaches, cervicalgia headaches,caroidynia headaches, sciatica headaches, trigeminal headaches,occipital headaches, maxillary headaches, chary headaches,paratrigeminal headaches, petrosal headaches, Sluder's headache, vidianheadaches, low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headaches, temporomandibularjoint (TMJ) headaches, causalgia headaches, myofascial headaches, allprimary headaches (e.g., primary stabbing headache, primary coughheadache, primary exertional headache, primary headache associated withsexual activity, hypnic headache, and new daily persistent headache),all trigeminal autonomic cephalagias (e.g., paroxysmal hemicranias,short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctivalinjection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiformheadache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA)), chronic dailyheadaches, occipital neuralgia, atypical facial pain, neuropathictrigeminal pain, and miscellaneous-type headaches.

As used herein, the term “cluster headache” can refer to extremelypainful and debilitating headaches that occur in groups or clusters.Cluster headaches can include chronic or episodic cluster headaches,cluster-type headaches, histamine headaches, histamine cephalalgia,Raedar's syndrome and sphenopalatine neuralgia.

As used herein, the term “migraine” can refer to an intense anddisabling chronic or episodic headache typically characterized by severepain in one or both sides of the head. Migraines can include, but arenot limited to, migraine without aura, migraine with aura, migraine withaura but without headache, menstrual migraines, variant migraines,transformed migraines, menstrual migraine, complicated migraines,hemiplegic migraines, atypical migraines, chronic migraines,basilar-type migraines, childhood periodic syndromes that are commonlyprecursors of migraine (e.g., abdominal, cyclic vomiting, BPV, etc.),status migrainous, and all types of probable migraines.

As used herein, the term “facial pain” can refer to direct pain thattypically involves nerves supplying the face or, alternatively, indirect(referred) pain from other structures in the head, e.g., blood vessels.The pain may be related to headache (e.g., migraine), muscular syndromes(e.g., TMJ), and herpetic or rheumatic disease or injury.

As used herein, the terms “modulate” or “modulating” can refer tocausing a change in neuronal activity, chemistry and/or metabolism. Thechange can refer to an increase, decrease, or even a change in a patternof neuronal activity. The terms may refer to either excitatory orinhibitory stimulation, or a combination thereof, and may be at leastelectrical, biological, magnetic, optical or chemical, or a combinationof two or more of these. The terms can also be used to refer to amasking, altering, overriding, or restoring of neuronal activity.

As used herein, the term “close proximity” with reference to a portionof an electrode or electrical lead relative to a target nerve structure(e.g., sphenopalatine ganglia or SPG) can refer to a distance betweenthe electrode (or electrical lead) and the target nerve structuresufficient to enable electrical modulation of the target nervestructure. Thus, in some instances, “close proximity” can refer to adistance between the electrode (or electrical lead) and the target nervestructure whereby the electrode (or electrical lead) is not in directcontact with the nerve structure, but electrical modulation of thetarget nerve structure is still possible. In one example, “closeproximity” can mean that the distance between an electrode or electricallead and a target nerve structure is less than 1 mm but direct contactbetween structures does not occur. In another example, “close proximity”can mean that the distance between an electrode or electrical lead and atarget nerve structure is greater than 1 mm (e.g., about 1 mm to about 1cm), but direct contact between structures does not occur.

As used herein, the term “subject” can refer to any warm-bloodedorganism including, but not limited to, human beings, pigs, rats, mice,dogs, goats, sheep, horses, monkeys, apes, rabbits, cattle, etc.

As used herein, the term “prevent” shall have its plain and ordinarymeaning to one skilled in the art of pharmaceutical or medical sciences.For example, “prevent” can mean to stop or hinder a medical condition,such as a headache.

As used herein, the terms “treat” or “treating” shall have their plainand ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art of pharmaceutical ormedical sciences. For example, “treat” or “treating” can mean to preventor reduce a medical condition, such as a headache.

As used herein, the term “medical condition” can refer to pain, movementdisorders, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases,sleep disorders, autonomic disorders, urinary bladder disorders,abnormal metabolic states, disorders of the muscular system, infectiousand parasitic diseases, neoplasms, endocrine diseases, nutritional andmetabolic diseases, immunological diseases, diseases of the blood andblood-forming organs, mental disorders, diseases of the nervous system,diseases of the sense organs, diseases of the circulatory system,diseases of the respiratory system, diseases of the digestive system,diseases of the genitourinary system, diseases of the skin andsubcutaneous tissue, diseases of the musculoskeletal system andconnective tissue, congenital anomalies, certain conditions originatingin the perinatal period, and symptoms, signs, and ill-definedconditions.

Pain treatable by the present invention can be caused by conditionsincluding, but not limited to, migraine headaches, including migraineheadaches with aura, migraine headaches without aura, menstrualmigraines, migraine variants, atypical migraines, complicated migraines,hemiplegic migraines, transformed migraines, and chronic dailymigraines, episodic tension headaches, chronic tension headaches,analgesic rebound headaches, episodic cluster headaches, chronic clusterheadaches, cluster variants, chronic paroxysmal hemicranias, hemicraniacontinua, post-traumatic headache, post-traumatic neck pain,post-herpetic neuralgia involving the head or face, pain from spinefracture secondary to osteoporosis, arthritis pain in the spine,headache related to cerebrovascular disease and stroke, headache due toa vascular disorder, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, cervicalgia (whichmay be due to various causes including, but not limited to, muscular,discogenic or degenerative, including arthritic, posturally related ormetastatic), glossodynia, carotidynia, cricoidynia, otalgia due tomiddle ear lesion, gastric pain, sciatica, maxillary neuralgia,laryngeal pain, myalgia of neck muscles, trigeminal neuralgia (sometimesalso termed tic douloureux), post-lumbar puncture headache, lowcerebrospinal fluid pressure headache, TMJ joint disorder, atypicalfacial pain, ciliary neuralgia, paratrigeminal neuralgia (sometimes alsotermed Raeder's syndrome), petrosal neuralgia, Eagle's syndrome,idiopathic intracranial hypertension, orofacial pain, myofascial painsyndrome involving the head, neck and shoulder, chronic migraneousneuralgia, cervical headache, paratrigeminal paralysis, sphenopalatineganglion neuralgia (sometimes also termed lower-half headache, lowerfacial neuralgia syndrome, Sluder's neuralgia and Sluder's syndrome),carotidynia, vidian neuralgia, causalgia, atypical odontalgia, clustertic syndrome, geniculate neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia,occipital neuralgia and temporal arteritis and/or a combination of theabove.

Movement disorders treatable by the present invention may be caused byconditions including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease,cerebropalsy, dystonia, essential tremor and hemifacial spasms.

Epilepsy treatable by the present invention may be, for example,generalized or partial.

Cerebrovascular disease treatable by the present invention may be causedby conditions including, but not limited to, aneurysms, strokes, andcerebral hemorrhage.

Autoimmune diseases treatable by the present invention include, but arenot limited to, multiple sclerosis.

Sleep disorders treatable by the present invention may be caused byconditions including, but not limited to, circadian rhythm disorders,sleep apnea and parasomnias.

Autonomic disorders treatable by the present invention may be caused byconditions including, but not limited to, gastrointestinal disorders,including but not limited to gastrointestinal motility disorders,nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chronic hiccups, gastroesphageal refluxdisease, and hypersecretion of gastric acid, autonomic insufficiency,autonomic instability, excessive epiphoresis, excessive rhinorrhea, andcardiovascular disorders including, but not limited, to cardiacdysrythmias and arrythmias, hypertension, carotid sinus disease,Holmes-adie syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, striatonigraldegeneration, vasovagal syncope, lyme disease and autonomic instability.

Neurological disorders treatable by the inventive method may be causedby conditions including, but not limited to: hemifacial spasm,Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome and Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Urinary bladder disorders treatable by the present invention may becaused by conditions including, but not limited to, spastic or flaccidbladder.

Abnormal metabolic states treatable by the present invention may becaused by conditions including, but not limited to, hyperthyroidism orhypothyroidism.

Disorders of the muscular system treatable by the present invention caninclude, but are not limited to, muscular dystrophy, and spasms of theupper respiratory tract and face.

Neuropsychiatric or mental disorders treatable by the present inventionmay be caused by conditions including, but not limited to, depression,schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

A brief discussion of the pertinent anatomy and neurophysiology isprovided to assist the reader with understanding the present invention.The autonomic nervous system innervates numerous pathways within thehuman body and consists of two divisions: the sympathetic and theparasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic and parasympatheticnervous systems are antagonistic in their action, balancing the othersystem's effects within the body. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS)usually initiates activity within the body, preparing the body foraction, while the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) primarilycounteracts the effects of the SNS.

The SPG 14 (FIG. 2) are located on both sides of the head. It shall beassumed for the following discussion of the present invention thatreference is being made to the SPG 14 located on the left side of thehead. The SPG 14 is located behind the posterior maxilla 16 in the PPF12, posterior to the middle nasal turbinate (not shown in detail). TheSPG 14 is part of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervoussystem; however, the SPG has both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervefibers, as well as sensory and motor nerve fibers either synapsingwithin the ganglion (e.g., parasympathetic) or fibers that are passingthrough the ganglion and not synapsing (e.g., sympathetic, sensory andmotor).

The parasympathetic activity of the SPG 14 is mediated through thegreater petrosal nerve (not shown), while the sympathetic activity ofthe SPG is mediated through the deep petrosal nerve (not shown), whichis essentially an extension of the cervical sympathetic chain (notshown). Sensory sensations generated by or transmitted through the SPG14 include, but are not limited to, sensations to the upper teeth,feelings of foreign bodies in the throat, and persistent itching of theear. The SPG 14 transmits sensory information, including pain, to thetrigeminal system via the maxillary division (not shown).

One aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus 10 (FIGS.1A-B) configured to deliver a neurostimulator into a craniofacial regionof a subject. In some instances, the neurostimulator can be configuredfor implantation in the PPF 12. In other instances, the neurostimulatoris sized and configured for implantation on a posterior maxilla 16. Aneurostimulator capable of being delivered by the apparatus 10 cangenerally include any active implantable medical device configured todeliver electrical stimulation, alone or in combination with other typesof stimulation to tissue of a subject. The neurostimulator can furtherinclude any active implantable medical device configured forimplantation for a relatively short period of time (e.g., to addressacute medical conditions) or a relatively long period of time (e.g., toaddress chronic medical conditions). Additionally, the neurostimulatorcan include one or more elements used to record or monitor aphysiological response of a subject's tissue (e.g., a deliveredtherapy), as well as one or more other components that interface withthe patient's tissue (e.g., therapeutic agent delivery mechanisms,sensors, etc.).

In one example of the present disclosure, a neurostimulator 18 can beconfigured as shown in FIG. 3 and disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/765,712 (hereinafter, “the '712 application”), the entiretyof which is hereby incorporated by reference. Briefly, theneurostimulator 18 can comprise a stimulator body 20, an integralstimulation lead 22, which includes one or more stimulating electrodes24, and an integral fixation apparatus 26. The neurostimulator 18 can beimplanted as disclosed in the '712 application, i.e., such that thestimulator body 20 is positioned sub-periosteally medial to the zygoma28 (FIG. 2) on the posterior maxilla 16 within the buccal fat pad (notshown) of the cheek, and the integral fixation apparatus 26 (FIG. 3) isanchored to the zygomaticomaxillary buttress 30 (FIG. 2) such that theintegral stimulation lead 22 (FIG. 3) is placed within the PPF 14 (FIG.2) or, more specifically, in close proximity (e.g., about 1-5 mm) to theSPG 14.

The neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 (FIGS. 1A-B) of the presentdisclosure is designed and configured to facilitate delivery of aneurostimulator 18 in close proximity to the SPG 14 (FIG. 2) so thattargeted electrical stimulation or delivery of electrical current fromthe neurostimulator to the SPG can be accomplished. Although referencebelow is made to the neurostimulator 18 in FIG. 3, it shall beappreciated that any variety of neurostimulator may be used as part ofthe present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the neurostimulatordelivery apparatus 10 comprises a handle portion 32, an elongated shaft34 extending from the handle portion, a distal deployment member 36, anda central hub portion 38 formed between the elongated shaft and thedistal deployment member. As described in more detail below, theneurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 is designed and configured to beinserted trans-orally from an incision located on the posterior maxilla16 (FIG. 2).

In another aspect, the handle portion 32 (FIGS. 1A-B) and the elongatedshaft 34 collectively define a longitudinal plane P that extends betweenthe handle portion and the elongated shaft. The neurostimulator deliveryapparatus 10 can have a length L of about 10 cm to about 30 cm. In oneexample, the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 can have a length Lof about 14 cm. All or only a portion of the neurostimulator deliveryapparatus 10 can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid medical grade metal ormetal alloy, such as titanium or stainless steel, medical grade plastics(e.g., PEEK, polycarbonate, nylon), glass, ceramics (e.g., aluminum,zirconium oxide), combinations of metals, ceramics, plastics or plasticcomposites, and the like.

In another aspect, the handle portion 32 includes an ergonomic handle42. The handle 42 can have a length of about 6 cm to about 12 cm, andvary in diameter from a proximal end 44 (e.g., about 0.5 cm to about 3cm) to a distal end 46 (e.g., about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm) thereof. Thehandle 42 can include various features to provide grip and tactilemaneuverability, such as circumferential ridges or a cross-hatchedprecut pattern into the material forming the handle. The handle 42 canbe made of a rigid or semi-rigid medical grade metal or metal alloy,such as stainless steel, medical grade plastics, polymers, and the like.

In another aspect, the elongated shaft 34 includes oppositely disposedfirst and second ends 48 and 50 that are securely connected to, orintegrally formed with, the central hub portion 38 and the distal end 46of the handle 42, respectively. The elongated shaft 34 can have anydesired length and diameter. In some instances, the length of theelongated shaft 34 can be about 3 cm to about 7 cm. In one example, thelength of the elongated shaft 34 can be about 4.5 cm. The diameter ofthe elongated shaft 34 can be about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm. In oneexample, the diameter of the elongated shaft 34 can be about 0.3 cm. Insome instances, the diameter of the elongated shaft 34 can be uniformbetween the first and second ends 48 and 50. In other instances, thediameter of the elongated shaft 34 can taper from the first end 48 tothe second end 50 (or vice-versa). The elongated shaft 34 can be made ofa rigid or semi-rigid medical grade metal or metal alloy, such asstainless steel, medical grade plastics, polymers, or the like.

In another aspect, the central hub portion 38 (FIGS. 4A-B) is locatedbetween the elongated shaft 34 the distal deployment member 36. Thecentral hub portion 38 is configured to allow the integral fixationapparatus 26 to be formed to the craniofacial anatomy and theneurostimulator 18 then loaded onto the neurostimulator deliveryapparatus 10 prior to implantation, which reduces interference (of theintegral fixation apparatus) with the apparatus and implant procedure.This feature of the central hub portion 38 facilitates fixation of theneurostimulator 18 to the curvature of the skull once theneurostimulator is released from the neurostimulator delivery apparatus10.

The central hub portion 38 is sized and configured to releasably matewith a neurostimulator 18. As shown in FIGS. 4A-B, the central hubportion 38 includes a port 52 configured to slidably receive astimulator body 20 of the neurostimulator 18. The port 52 is defined bya lower surface 54, which is integrally formed with oppositely disposedside walls 56, as well as an upper portion 58 that includes a pluralityof tangs 60. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the upperportion 58 can include only one tang 60.

The lower surface 54 can be sized and dimensioned to allow the centralhub portion 38 to releasably mate with the neurostimulator 18. In oneexample, the lower surface 54 can have a length of about 0.5 cm to about2 cm (e.g., about 1 cm). In another example, the lower surface 54 canhave a width of about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm (e.g., about 1 cm). Each ofthe oppositely disposed side walls 56 can have any desired height, suchas about 0.1 cm to about 0.5 cm (e.g., about 0.3 cm). As shown in FIGS.4A-B, each of the side walls 56 can have a contoured arcuate portion 62.

The tangs 60, in addition to the lower surface 54 and the side walls 56are configured to provide a retention force when the stimulator body 20is received in the port 52. Each of the tangs 60 includes an overhangportion 64 for contacting a portion of the stimulator body 20 (e.g.,when the neurostimulator 18 is disposed in the port 52). Each of theoverhang portions 64 permits the amount of a retention force between thestimulator body 20 and the central hub portion 38 to be selectivelyadjusted. For example, bending of the integral fixation apparatus 26 ofthe neurostimulator 18 towards a surface 66 of the upper portion 58creates opposing forces between the overhang portions 64 and a surfaceof the stimulator body 20. Increasing an adjustment angle of theintegral fixation apparatus 26 towards the surface 66 results in anincreased retention force. Removal of the retention force duringretraction requires the integral fixation apparatus 26 to be pushed awayfrom the surface 66.

The central hub portion 38 can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid medicalgrade metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel, medical gradeplastics, polymers, or the like. The central hub portion 38 isconfigured to hold or carry the neurostimulator body 20 during placementof the neurostimulator 18. Thus, one skilled in the art will appreciatethat the amount of material used to form the central hub portion 38should be minimized to reduce the amount of tissue dissection needed toplace the neurostimulator 18 in vivo, as well as to reduce the amount ofdrag that occurs during placement and removal of the neurostimulatordelivery apparatus 10.

In another aspect, the distal deployment member 36 (FIGS. 4B-E)comprises a spine member 68 that extends from, and is securely connectedto, the central hub portion 38. The spine member 68 (FIG. 4E) has anelongated configuration and includes a proximal end portion 70, a distalend portion 72, and an intermediate portion 74 extending between theproximal and distal end portions. The proximal end portion 70 issecurely connected to a bottom surface 76 of the central hub portion 38.In one example, the proximal end portion 70 can extend through first andsecond arch members 78 and 80, each of which is integrally formed withthe bottom surface 76.

The spine member 68 can have any desired length and width. In oneexample, the spine member 68 can have a length of about 4 cm to about 6cm (e.g., about 5 cm). In another example, the spine member 68 can havea width of about 0.1 cm to about 0.8 cm (e.g., about 0.3 cm). The spinemember 68 can have a uniform width or, as shown in FIG. 4E, the width ofthe spine member can taper from a first width at the proximal endportion 70 that is greater than a second width at the distal end portion72. In some instances, a distal tip 82 of the spine member 68 caninclude a tapered arcuate end as shown in FIG. 4E. In other instances,the distal tip 82 of the spine member 68 can be bulbous ormushroom-shaped (FIG. 5A).

In some instances, the distal end portion 72 of the spine member 68 canextend at an angle A (FIG. 4B) relative to the longitudinal plane P ofthe neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10. In one example, the angle Acan be about 10° to about 45°, depending upon the craniofacial anatomyof the subject. In other instances, the spine member 68 can have asemi-circular or flattened cross-sectional profile. In one example, thespine member 68 can have a cross-sectional profile configured tocorrespond to the rounded outer surface of the integral stimulation lead22, e.g., to accept and mate with the integral stimulation lead.

The spine member 68 can have a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexibleconfiguration. The spine member 68 can be made from one or combinationof rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible materials, such as metals, metalalloys, and polymers or plastics. In some instances, all or only aportion of the spine member 68 can be malleable. For example, only thedistal end portion 72 of the spine member 68 can be malleable. Inanother example, the spine member 68 can be made of a malleable metalthat supports a splittable sheath 84 and the integral stimulation lead22 from buckling when longitudinal or lateral forces are encountered.The malleability allows a physician to conform the shape of theneurostimulator 18 (e.g., the integral stimulation lead 22) tocorrespond to a patient's anatomy and thereby aid with implantation.Malleability in some cases is not required; thus, a spine member 68 madefrom a non-malleable material, such as plastic can also serve theintended function.

In another aspect, the distal deployment member 36 further includes asplittable sheath 84 securely disposed about a portion of the spinemember 68. As shown in FIG. 4B, for example, the splittable sheath 84extends about the distal end portion 72 of the spine member 68. Thesplittable sheath 84 has a substantially C-shaped cross-sectionalprofile that defines a first lumen 86, which is configured to receive anintegral stimulation lead 22 of the neurostimulator 18. The splittablesheath 84 can be securely connected to the spine member 68 by any one orcombination of attachment mechanisms, such as adhesives, pins, staples,etc. In some instances, the splittable sheath 84 can be made of asemi-flexible material (or materials). In one example, the splittablesheath 84 can be formed from a plastic or polymer, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene. In other instances, the splittable sheath 84can be formed from a flexible material having a thickness of about 0.04inches to about 0.001 inches.

Referring to FIG. 4D, the splittable sheath 84 includes a proximal endportion 88, a distal end portion 90, and an intermediate portion 92 thatextends between the proximal and distal end portions. The splittablesheath 84 includes a seam 94 that extends from the distal end portion 90to an opening 96 at the proximal end portion 88. The seam 94 allows forremoval or deployment of the integral stimulation lead 22 of theneurostimulator 18 from the splittable sheath 84 with minimal load onthe integral stimulation lead. For instance, applying a tactile force tothe handle 42 of the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 can cause theseam 94 to split and thereby release the integral stimulation lead 22for positioning and implantation in the PPF 12. Undesirable loading onthe integral stimulation lead 22 can cause migration of the lead awayfrom the desired implant location during withdrawal of theneurostimulator delivery apparatus 10. Advantageously, only a portion ofthe splittable sheath 84 is parted during deployment of theneurostimulator 18, which reduces the load on the integral stimulationlead 22.

As shown in FIG. 4B and FIGS. 4D-E, the splittable sheath 84 includes atapered distal end portion 98 that is unsupported by the spine member68. In other words, the tapered distal end portion 98 is free fromdirect contact with the distal end portion 72 of the spine member 68. Insome instances, the diameter of the tapered distal end portion 98decreases from a first end 100 to a second end 102 thereof. In otherinstances, the diameter at the second end 102 of the tapered distal endportion 98 is less than the diameter at the first end 100 of the tapereddistal end portion. In further instances, the diameter at a portion ofthe tapered distal end portion 98 is less than the diameter of theintermediate portion 92 and/or the proximal end portion 88 of thesplittable sheath 84. The tapered distal end portion 98 of thesplittable sheath 84 facilitates insertion of the neurostimulator 18into areas of the craniofacial anatomy that are narrow or otherwisedifficult to access. It will be appreciated that the spine member 68 canoptionally extend to the tapered distal end portion 98 as well.

Alternative configurations of the splittable sheath 84 are shown inFIGS. 5B-D. Except where described, the alternative configurations canbe identically constructed as the splittable sheath 84 shown in FIGS.4A-E and discussed above. In some instances, the splittable sheath 84′(FIG. 5B) can include a first lumen 86 configured to receive the spinemember 68, and a second lumen 104 configured to receive an integralstimulation lead 22 of the neurostimulator 18. As shown in FIG. 5B, thefirst lumen 86 is defined by a first tubular sheath 106 configured toreceive the spine member 68. Securely connected to a distal portion 108of the first tubular sheath 106 is a second tubular sheath 110, whichincludes a seam 112 that extends between first and second ends 114 and116 thereof. An opening 118 configured to receive the integralstimulation lead 22 of the neurostimulator 18 is located at the secondend 116 of the second tubular sheath 110.

FIG. 5C illustrates an alternative configuration of the splittablesheath 84′ shown in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 5C, the second tubularsheath 110 can include one or more spaced apart radial slits 120. Theradial slits 120 can be formed by cutting or piercing a portion of theside wall comprising the second tubular sheath 110. The presence ofradial slits 120 reduces or prevents flaring of the second tubularsheath 110 at the seam 112, which can be caused by bending of the distaldeployment member 36 (e.g., during implantation of the neurostimulator18). The radial slits 120 can be located in parallel from one another(e.g., adjacent one another) or, alternatively, the radial slits can belocated axially offset from one another on opposite sides of the seam112. The radial slits 120 can have any desired cross-sectional profile(e.g., V-shaped, U-shaped, I-shaped, etc.), including any desired lengthand width. It will be appreciated that any number of radial slits 120can be included as part of the second tubular sheath 110. Additionally,it will be appreciated that the splittable sheath 84 shown in FIGS. 1A-Bcan include one or more radial slits 120.

Another alternative configuration of the splittable sheath 84″ in FIG.5C is shown in FIG. 5D. The splittable sheath 84′″ in FIG. 5D can beidentically constructed as the splittable sheath 84″ in FIG. 5C, exceptthat the splittable sheath in FIG. 5D can include a tapered distal endportion 98. In some instances, the diameter of the tapered distal endportion 98 decreases from a first end 100 to a second end 102 thereof.In other instances, the diameter at the second end 102 of the tapereddistal end portion 98 is less than the diameter at the first end 100. Infurther instances, the diameter at a portion of the tapered distal endportion 98 is less than the diameter of the first end 114 and/or thesecond end 116 of the second tubular sheath 110. The tapered distal endportion 98 of the second tubular sheath 110 can facilitate insertion ofthe neurostimulator 18 into areas of the craniofacial anatomy that arenarrow or otherwise difficult to access.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 6 andincludes a method 122 for deploying a neurostimulator 18 in closeproximity to a SPG 14. At Step 124, a neurostimulator delivery apparatus10 and a neurostimulator 18 are provided. In one example, theneurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 is configured as shown in FIGS.1A-B and described above. In another example, the neurostimulator 18 isconfigured as shown in FIG. 3 and described in the '712 application.

Following Step 124, the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 can beused to deliver the neurostimulator 18 in close proximity to the SPG 14as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/470,480(hereinafter, “the '480 application”). Briefly, an incision (not shown)is made at a gingival-buccal insertion site in a similar or identicalmanner as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0185258 A1,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In oneexample, a #10 scalpel blade (not shown) can be used to make an incisionin a horizontal manner between the second and third molars (not shown).

Next, a first surgical tool (not shown) similar or identical to the onedisclosed in the '480 application is inserted into the incision andsubperiosteally. In some instances, the anatomy of the subject's skull,including the location and size of the PPF 12 can be determined prior toinsertion of the first surgical tool. After inserting the first surgicaltool into the incision, the first surgical tool is urged in a posteriordirection so that a first major surface of the surgical tool's distalportion traverses under the zygomatic bone 28 along the maxillarytuberosity 132. The first surgical tool is then advanced further until adistal dissecting tip thereof engages the junction formed by theposterior maxillary buttress (not shown) and the pterygoid plate 134,just inferior and lateral to the PPF 12. Advancement of the firstsurgical tool may naturally stop when the distal dissecting tip iscorrectly positioned at the junction formed by the posterior maxillarybuttress and the pterygoid plate 134. The first surgical tool is thenwithdrawn, thereby creating a surgical access cavity (not shown).

Next, a second surgical tool 136 (not shown in detail) (FIG. 8) asdisclosed in the '480 application is inserted into the surgical accesscavity. After the second surgical tool 136 is appropriately positionedin the surgical access cavity, an electrode lead blank (not shown) iscarefully inserted into an insertion groove of the second surgical tool136 and progressively advanced along the insertion groove. The electrodelead blank can be configured to have the same or substantially the samedimensions as the integral stimulation lead 22 of the neurostimulator18. The electrode lead blank is urged along the insertion groove until adistal end of the electrode lead blank extends from the surgical accesscavity into close proximity with the SPG 14.

Next, the electrode lead blank is removed from the subject. Eitherbefore, during, or after removal of the electrode lead blank, theneurostimulator 18 is mated with (e.g., loaded onto) the neurostimulatordelivery apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 7A-D. To do so, theneurostimulator 18 is first brought into close proximity with thecentral hub portion 38 of the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10(FIG. 7A). The neurostimulator 18 is then angled slight downward towardthe spine member 68 of the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 until adistal portion of the integral stimulator lead 22 is introduced orinserted into the opening 96 of the splittable sheath 84 (FIG. 7B).Next, the neurostimulator 18 is progressively advanced in a distaldirection until a portion of the neurostimulator body 20 is in flushcontact with the lower surface 54 of the central hub portion 38 (FIG.7C). As shown in FIG. 7D, the neurostimulator 18 is then advancedtowards the handle 42 of the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 untilthe neurostimulator body 20 snugly engages the tangs 60 and the integralfixation apparatus 26 engages the surface 66 of the central hub portion38, thereby providing a retention force to keep the neurostimulatorsecurely mated with the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 duringimplantation.

At Step 126, the neurostimulator deployment apparatus 10 is mated withthe second surgical tool 136 (FIG. 8). For example, the spine member 68of the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 can slidably engage theinsertion groove of the second surgical tool 136. Once theneurostimulator delivery device 10 is properly mated with the secondsurgical tool 136, the neurostimulator 18 is deployed from theneurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 (Step 128). The neurostimulator 18can then be implanted within the subject as discussed above anddisclosed in the '712 application. Following implantation of theneurostimulator 18, the neurostimulator delivery apparatus 10 can bewithdrawn from the subject and the surgery completed (Step 130). Withthe neurostimulator 18 securely implanted within the subject, anelectrical current from the neurostimulator can be applied to the SPG 14to treat a medical condition (e.g., headache).

From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the artwill perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Suchimprovements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art areintended to be covered by the appended claims.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A method for deploying a neurostimulator in closeproximity to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of a subject, said methodcomprising the steps of: (a) providing a neurostimulator deliveryapparatus and a neurostimulator releasably coupled to theneurostimulator delivery apparatus, the neurostimulator deliveryapparatus comprising a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending fromthe handle portion, and an arcuate distal deployment portion; (b) matingthe distal deployment portion with a distal portion of a surgical toolalready positioned in or about a craniofacial region; (c) manipulatingthe neurostimulator so that an integral stimulation lead thereofprogressively emerges from the distal deployment portion into closeproximity with the SPG; and (d) withdrawing the neurostimulator deliveryapparatus from the subject; wherein steps (c) and (d) are performedsimultaneously.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said providing stepfurther comprises the steps of: inserting a distal end of the integralstimulation lead into a splittable sheath of the distal deploymentportion; advancing the integral stimulation lead through the splittablesheath until a stimulator body of the neurostimulator is seated within aportion of the distal deployment portion; and manipulating theneurostimulator so that the stimulator body is securely seated withinthe distal deployment portion.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein saidmating step further comprises the steps of: providing a surgical toolhaving an insertion groove on the distal portion thereof; and slidablyengaging the distal deployment portion into contact with the insertiongroove.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the craniofacial region is aPPF.